Project Description:
As weather-related disasters become more frequent and severe, flooding increasingly jeopardizes the safety of emergency responders and prevents them from reaching people in need. Thus, providing a safe and reliable method for navigating hazardous flood conditions has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for affected populations. The Deployable Rescue Bridge is designed to be mounted on a jon boat and features a walkway comprised of articulated links that wrap around a central spool when retracted. When extended, the links interlock to form a straight bridge with its free end supported by steel cables serving as handrails. This allows emergency responders to retrieve stranded victims at any elevation without direct contact with floodwater, minimizing risks for all parties.